Resurgent markets spur minimalist trend

	Tinco’s stainless steel soap dish uses a glue-fix mounting system.

R&D work highlights functional designs that are easy to install.

R&D initiatives among China suppliers of bathroom fittings target vital overseas destinations, where sales results earlier this year have been promising.

In a propitious turnaround during the first five months of 2010, revenue from exports of stainless steel bathroom fittings, together with bedpans and similar sanitaryware, grew 42 percent YoY. Earnings during the period exceeded $136 million, already 46 percent of total sales in 2009.

North America and Europe absorbed the bulk of deliveries from January to May 2010. Customs statistics showed that the US took in $27 million worth, 29 percent higher than the same period last year.

Meanwhile, in Europe, the UK, Germany and Italy were the top three markets, with combined exports reaching $27.5 million. Uptake in these countries rose 45, 46 and 87 percent, respectively.

With such a favorable trade climate, China companies plan to bolster their foothold in the aforementioned shipping destinations by offering the mainstream lines. Most will enhance key product features to retain or draw more buyers.

At many enterprises, development work follows the minimalist trend in interior design. Makers are concentrating efforts on accentuating functionality by creating more releases with streamlined silhouettes.

Guangzhou Pinya Industries Co. Ltd, for example, is offering the model V8483 paper towel dispenser with straight edges and plain panels. The product is made of 304 stainless steel and comes with a satin finish.

To stimulate buyer interest further, several suppliers are offering sets that include a towel bar, cup holder and soap dispenser with similar motifs.

As part of the orientation toward streamlined pieces, the latest releases are also easier to install. Some can be mounted on walls without requiring complicated assembly or drilling. At Tinco Bathroom Products Co. Ltd, models are designed for glue fixing.

Bathroom fittings from mainland China consist mainly of towel and toilet paper holders, and grab bars. These are priced according to the materials and surface treatment used.

Models are fabricated from metal such as copper, steel, aluminum and zinc alloy, which can be sourced from numerous providers domestically. Certain manufacturers, however, purchase high-grade stainless steel from Taiwan, Japan and South Korea.

Chrome electroplating remains the oft-applied treatment. Aside from rendering a shiny look, this finish makes the product easy to clean and provides better corrosion resistance.

Another type of overlay simulates a bright brass finish and gives the design a classic appearance. This method is commonly adopted for fittings shipped to emerging markets such as India and the Middle East.

Towel holders: Comprising almost half of output, towel holders come in bar, rail, ring and rack constructions.

Quoted at $0.50 to $2, low-end models are made of zinc or aluminum alloy. Most have a polished or brushed coating.

Midrange versions, which go for $2.10 to $8, are in zinc, copper or stainless steel. Surface treatment options are similar to those of less expensive pieces.

Upscale selections employ 304 stainless steel tubes and a polished, satin or brushed finish. Quotes reach $15 per piece.

Grab bars: The category follows towel holders as the next largest line of bathroom fittings.

Models below $10 are mostly straight rods fabricated from domestic 201 or 202 stainless steel, which is 10 to 20 percent less costly than the 304 type. They have a smooth polished, satin, PP or nylon coating.

Those priced at $11 to $30 are in T shapes or more complex forms. Designs often use 304 stainless steel and some have a nonslip textured grip.

Grab bars that go beyond $30 employ 304 grades from Japan or South Korea. Some have polished or satin-gloss surfaces, while others are coated with rubber or nonslip anti-bacterial nylon.

Toilet paper holders: Basic designs for home use are made of zinc alloy. Priced $1 to $5 each, most have surfaces that are either brushed or polished.

Midrange options in 304 stainless steel range from $5.50 to $15. Some come with a chrome-plated finish.

At $15.50 to $30, upscale pieces are often constructed from copper with bronze or chrome coating. Models for commercial areas are more expensive, as these are typically larger than residential types.

Quotes of toilet paper holders and other bathroom fittings are expected to remain stable despite the cost fluctuation of raw materials. Most metal rates peaked in April 2010 but dropped a few points since then.

A pound of nickel exceeded $12 in April this year and later declined to about $9 in June, which is lower than end-2009 December levels.